Atypical rheumatoid nodules: a possible precursor to a rheumatoid variant in a rheumatoid-factor-negative patient. Case report.

Subcutaneous nodules occur in approximately 20-25% of rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive rheumatoid patients. In this paper, we present a unique case of a 47-year-old healthy RF-negative woman with a 3-year history of necrobiotic nodules over the dorsum of her hands, extensor forearms, and lower extremities. This may represent an atypical presentation or a new rheumatoid variant.